What’s the Key Difference Between Full Tort and Limited Tort Coverage
Clients often ask us what type of insurance policy should they opt for; full tort vs limited tort. As a personal injury law firm, we always advise our clients to select the Full Tort coverage.
How Will Selecting the Limited Tort Option Affect Me?
The breakdown is simple. In Pennsylvania, you have the option of selecting either full tort or limited tort on your auto insurance policy. If you select a limited tort option, you may not be able to recover for your injuries. Under the limited tort option, only injuries defined by the legislature as “serious” allow for recovery for your pain and suffering. The Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (“MVFRL”) defines serious injury as a “personal injury resulting in death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.” Therefore, if you select this option, you may not be able to recover for the pain, scrapes, cuts, and bruises that you suffer as a result of your accident.
However, there are exceptions to the limited tort coverage. This means under certain situations, even a driver with limited tort can pursue full tort claims when in an accident. These exceptions include when:
- The driver who caused the accident was charged with a DUI
- The driver who caused the accident was driving a vehicle registered in a state outside of Pennsylvania
- The driver who caused the accident intended to injure himself or someone else
- You were injured in an accident caused by a defect in the design, manufacturing, repair or maintenance of a vehicle.
- You were driving a motorcycle
- You were riding a bicycle
- You were a pedestrian who was hit by a motor vehicle
- You were a passenger in a commercial vehicle, such as a bus or train
If you are involved in an automobile accident and you opted for limited tort coverage, with these exceptions, we can help you receive compensation for the economic and personal damages you have suffered.
The Benefits of Full Tort are Worth the Extra Monthly Premium.
Selecting the full tort option gives you the unlimited right towards recovery for injuries that result in pain and suffering, inconvenience, and loss of life’s comforts. You want to do what’s best to protect your family and friends, no matter the price. The small amount of money that can be saved on your monthly premium by selecting limited tort is nothing compared to the cost of a life changing car accident that impacts your livelihood and family life. What may not seem to be a “serious injury” to a judge or jury can be a constant pain for weeks, months, and even years for you. Do not give up your right to make a claim for pain and suffering, elect full tort coverage on your automobile insurance policy.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident and have any questions, please contact KOTLAW at 215-644-8508 for a free consultation.
This guide is not a complete summary of the Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Law. It is designed to highlight certain important features of this law and should not be considered legal advice. All individual needs must be addressed on a case by case basis. If you have any questions concerning your coverage, please contact your insurance company representative.